Dave Lewis, a parks and recreation professional with more than 16 years of management and executive-level experience, has been named the new director of the Fort Worth Park & Recreation Department.
Lewis was selected after a nationwide search. He begins work in his new role on Feb. 17
Lewis has worked for the City of Fort Worth since 2019 and has held several positions, including assistant director of the Golf and Athletics Division, interim director and deputy director. In his latest role, he oversaw administration, golf and athletics and recreation.
“Throughout this process, we searched for someone who could bring a bold vision to further enhance our parks, community centers, aquatic facilities and natural spaces. We found it in Dave’s passion for our community, leadership and dedication,” said Assistant City Manager Jesica McEachern, who oversees the Park & Recreation Department. “Under Dave’s guidance —and with a commitment to innovation, accessibility and excellence — we’re confident that our city’s parks and recreational offerings will set the standard as the best in the nation.”
Before coming to Fort Worth in 2019, Lewis held several positions, including deputy director, with the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma, Washington.
Lewis replaces Richard Zavala, who has been director of the department since 1992. Zavala is retiring at the end of April.
“I am excited to usher in a new era for the Park & Recreation Department and look forward to sharing details of a new vision for the park system,” Lewis said. “Several opportunities are coming together at once, including the completion of Greenprint Fort Worth, which is the department’s new master plan, new aspirational strategies and the Mayor’s Good Natured Initiative that will help provide a roadmap to becoming the best park system in the country.”
Lewis holds a bachelor of science degree in communications from Eastern Washington University. He is a member of several state and national associations related to the parks and recreation industry.
The Park & Recreation Department, which is accredited through the National Recreation and Parks Association, maintains 305 parks (13,136 acres) and public spaces citywide as well as provides recreational activities and educational programming that make Fort Worth a great place to live, work and play.
